Taraba Communal Clashes Displaced Several Victims; Other Residents Fled Homes

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Sunday, July 6th, 2014

More than 50 000 persons, including women, children and the aged, have been displaced from their homes in various parts – Bali, Wukari and Ibi of Taraba state due to the recent communal clashes.

The Operations Officer in the Gombe Office of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Hajiya Zainab Umar, made this revelation on Sunday in Bali.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Umar visited one of the victim camps to distribute relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). She explained that NEMA had donated 20 trucks of relief materials as well as commenced distribution of the assorted materials comprising food, non-food items and medical supplies to the victims.

“About 9 000 displaced persons have taken refuge in some places of worship and residences in Bali, headquarters of Bali area council of the state.

“At least another 16 000 persons displaced by religious violence in Wukari and Ibi are in Mutum-Biyu, Gassol Local Government Area of the state”, the NEMA official stated.

Umaru called on wealthy individuals and state governments to assist the victims.

Wukari community of Taraba state has witnessed four religious crises since the beginning of the year, culminating in destruction of many lives and property.

Similarly, ethnic conflict between farmers and herdsmen in the Bali area has also resulted in the loss of several lives and destruction of property worth millions of Naira.

Sequel to fear of losing their lives, more residents in the affected areas have fled their homes to take refuge in the camps and worship places in the council headquarters.